Brianroulstonite is an extremely rare borate mineral known primarily from the evaporite deposits of New Brunswick, Canada. It typically forms colorless to white tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from other associated borate minerals without analytical testing. Collectors prize this species due to its scarcity and unique chemical composition found within specific geological salt environments.
Is this brianroulstonite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch brianroulstonite with a known reference. Brianroulstonite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Brianroulstonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Brianroulstonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Brianroulstonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside brianroulstonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with brianroulstonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sr₃B₁₄O₂₂(OH)₈·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find brianroulstonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Salt Springs, New Brunswick, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where brianroulstonite typically forms. If you start seeing boracite, halite, goyazite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify brianroulstonite?+
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How much is brianroulstonite worth?+
What rocks look like brianroulstonite?+
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Find brianroulstonite on the map
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